Converting an ornamental gas log fireplace into a functioning heat source?

[bas402]

HEAT​

Ventless Gas Logs​

If heat is what you’re after, then a Ventless gas log set is the way to go. Ventless gas logs are extremely efficient and will provide an exceptional amount of heat for your room.
They don’t require a chimney or venting, allowing all of the heat produced to circulate back into the room, rather than escaping up the chimney.
Ventless gas logs are designed to achieve a clean, smokeless flame. They burn so hotly that nearly 100% of the fuel is combusted, allowing them to operate safely without a chimney.
Ventless gas logs can achieve a realistic-looking fire, but the flames often appear blue and may not be as large or as authentic as a Vented log set can produce.
The way Ventless logs are arranged also affects the appearance of the fire. They have to be stacked around the gas outlets to prevent flames from coming into direct contact with the logs. If flames do touch the logs, carbon monoxide can be produced. Arranging the logs this way can make the fire look like it’s shooting straight up, rather than engulfing the logs like a traditional fire.
Since combustion air isn’t able to escape through a chimney, Ventless gas log sets may give off an odor when burning and will intensify any odors already present in the home, such as air fresheners, incense, pet dander, and dust. Ventless appliances also produce water vapor during combustion, which can lead to excess moisture buildup throughout the living space.
As an additional safeguard, Ventless gas logs come equipped with a built-in Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) to monitor the amount of oxygen present in the room. If oxygen gets too low, the ODS automatically shuts off the gas supplyto the burner.
Read more about the pros and cons of Ventless gas logs here.

 

[bas402]

Like I stated they must be installed correctly.

 

[SlugSlinger]

Yes, as long as you have air circulation in the room (large rooms)we have had no issues, I have a couple of monoxide detectors in this living area and have had no issues with ours. Please not these detectors do need replace every 5 yrs

I’ve had no issues either. Just an abundance of caution.

 

[XYZ]

We’ve been without electricity a few times and our little gas fireplace has kept us warm. Our house is super insulated and that probably helps as much as anything.

 

[John6185]

I was in the same shape as NationalMatch, moved into my current house and it had some fake logs and burned natural gas. Most of the heat went out the exterior vent and when the thing wasn't on, the cold air would enter in via the vent.
So what'd I do? I bought a ventless set of logs, installed them and plugged the exterior vent and that was 7 years ago and the cold air doesn't come in and the fake logs keep us warm when we have a power outage.
Some may say don't plug the vent, carbon monoxide will get you but Ive had no problems although we do not run it when we are asleep for fire concerns.

 

[bas402]

I was in the same shape as NationalMatch, moved into my current house and it had some fake logs and burned natural gas. Most of the heat went out the exterior vent and when the thing wasn't on, the cold air would enter in via the vent.
So what'd I do? I bought a ventless set of logs, installed them and plugged the exterior vent and that was 7 years ago and the cold air doesn't come in and the fake logs keep us warm when we have a power outage.
Some may say don't plug the vent, carbon monoxide will get you but Ive had no problems although we do not run it when we are asleep for fire concerns.

Advise is search and read about ventless and then call a professional to come look at it. You might find your set up is good but “fly by the seat of your pants” is a big NO!